Accepted Answer

Thank you for getting back to me. What you are seeing probably is indeed your hamster's penis. It should retract, but when it doesn't go all the way back in, it means there is a problem. There is more than one possibility for what's going on. Irritations, infections, and injuries can all cause this problem. An irritation can be from something as small as a bit of litter, sand, or anything else in the cage getting inside. Infections often, though not always, produce a discharge.

The penis should retract back inside, but when it becomes swollen and irritated like this, it can't. The condition is called paraphimosis. The following site has more information on it (it's a rat site, but the information pertains to other rodents, too.)

http://ratguide.com/health/reproductive/paraphimosis.php

The best thing to do is take these the hamster to a vet tomorrow. As you'll see if you read the information on the site above, paraphimosis can result in serious urinary conditions, and even kidney damage. If possible, try to find a vet who treats a lot of pocket pets, rather than one who mostly sees dogs and cats. This link will take you to a directory of vets who work with rodents:

http://www.rmca.org/Resources/vets.htm/index.php?action=list

If you have more questions about this, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope your hamster quickly returns to normal.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/6/2009

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant